This Alzheimer’s and Dementia section is very close to home; as my 86-year-old Mom is living with it. That also means, we are living with it.
This discussion is presented to help those who find themselves looking for answers to this conundrum. For me this unexpected chapter in my adult life has been a tremendous test and strengthening of patience; thought provoking, and darn tough; much work and some rewards too.
All family members, and true close friends, who deal with this disease probably will try to understand it, research it, go to meetings, discuss with others in a similar situation, to attempt to gain insight and ease, one’s and one’s loved one’s, stress and burden, attempting to help one’s loved one.
I have experienced a lot, for four straight years now. The cutting-edge classes and support groups; Self-education with wonderful and wealth-of-knowledge books and websites. Countless hours of mindful planning and care and driving and waiting and standard life.
The result: I’m, four years later, either still at square one, figuratively, or pretty much in the same boat. This has been totally humbling for me as I am a professional engineer. I solve problems. I fix things. People live and commute safely due to my work. I’m a carpenter, mechanic, welder. I’m a scientist. Yet, I can’t solve this one.
So I suggest we all try to be very understanding and tolerant and dig deep into our religion, soul, life philosophy roots and strengths, and attempt to draw personal strength from these, so we can help our loved one’s the best we can with what we have.
I will add some contact info, in the future, as my second-shift job allows. Please check out the support websites; your primary care M.D., and family and friends.
May you and I prosper and continue to give love and care to our loved one’s.
Randy
rcoop.env@gmail.com
Tuesday May 23, 2017